Think Progress

Webb: If Bush Doesn’t Take The ‘Right Kind Of Action…We Will Be Showing Him The Way’

In his response to the State of the Union, Sen. James Webb’s (D-VA) offered a harsh criticism of President Bush’s national security and economic policies. He said that Bush “recklessly” took the country into war with Iraq, ignored the advice of his top advisers, and is now holding the nation hostage in the war’s “predictable — and predicted — disarray.” Watch it:

[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/01/webb.320.240.flv]

Webb also compared the current situation of economic disparity in the United States to the era of when “robber barons were unapologetically raking in a huge percentage of the national wealth” and the “dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.” Like Theodore Roosevelt, Bush now needs to take the “right kind of action” for “the benefit of the American people.” Webb concluded, if Bush chooses a new direction, “we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.”

Digg It!

Transcript:

The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable — and predicted — disarray that has followed.

The war’s costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve.

The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos. But an immediate shift toward strong regionally-based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq’s cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.

On both of these vital issues, our economy and our national security, it falls upon those of us in elected office to take action.

Regarding the economic imbalance in our country, I am reminded of the situation President Theodore Roosevelt faced in the early days of the 20th century. America was then, as now, drifting apart along class lines. The so-called robber barons were unapologetically raking in a huge percentage of the national wealth. The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.

Roosevelt spoke strongly against these divisions. He told his fellow Republicans that they must set themselves “as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other.” And he did something about it.

As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. “When comes the end?” asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became President, he brought the Korean War to an end.

These Presidents took the right kind of action, for the benefit of the American people and for the health of our relations around the world. Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.

Thank you for listening. And God bless America.




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122 Responses to “Webb: If Bush Doesn’t Take The ‘Right Kind Of Action…We Will Be Showing Him The Way’”

  1. unbelievable Says:

    Nice spine!

    Take care of it. We wanna see a lot more of it!


  2. Krazny Says:

    After watching Webb's rebuttal, all I can say is now I know why the people of Virginia elected him.

    Troll yelling traitor in 10..9..8..7...


  3. ForTruth Says:

    That's right, uh huh...

    **doin that buttermilk churnin' dance thing**


  4. Zooey Says:

    I love this man. I want to have his babies.


  5. mighty aphrodite Says:

    I was surprised that Senator Webbb delivered such a nice speech - when I overlooked his contradictions re: the military retreat in Iraq


  6. Goebbels Says:

    The Democrats should lead Bush out of the door by impreaching and convicting him of high crimes.


  7. unbelievable Says:

    The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.

    Hint, hint... (We need to make the elite worry about a black-white-Latino-Asian-et al unified revolution against socio-economic oppression, instead of fighting amongst ourselves over the unintentional shades of pigments of our skin).


  8. Vance Says:

    Senator Webb, this one is on me (_)3 Cheers sir!


  9. Marie Says:

    The last sentence of his rebuttal was priceless!


  10. Exley Says:

    "We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos."

    Kudos, Sen. Webb. If you will lead the Democratic Party into taking the war on international terrorism seriously, and fight Al Qaeda vigorously, I and millions of others will support you. May your actions mirror your words.


  11. mighty aphrodite Says:

    I thought Senhator Webb delivered a nice speech. The photo of Dad during the Berlin airlift was a nice touch and the mentioning of his son serving in Iraq was uplifting. (I did ask Mr. Aphrodite how the Senator's son could have been such a dolt as to enlist in the military...) That is until his contradictions about withdrawal of troops from Iraq......but I thought he did a great job for a rookie.......


  12. veritas Says:

    Webb is a "true" patriot and did an unbelievable job at totally reducing Bush to rubble! Atta boy!


  13. pny Says:

    Webb did a fantastic job!! I say Edwards/Webb '08!


  14. unbelievable Says:

    And God bless America.

    I'll be happy when they all stop saying this in every single speech or address to the people.

    Either bless every living being, or say nothing...


  15. Deniz Yeter Says:

    Bravo, Senator Webb.

    We need more courageous American's like you willing to address class war.

    We didn't start this, but we'll sure as hell finish it.

    Fight the rich, not their wars!


  16. Zooey Says:

    Webb will show Exley the way, too.


  17. unbelievable Says:

    May your actions mirror your words.
    Comment by Exley — January 23, 2007 @ 11:06 pm

    You first...


  18. veritas Says:

    Webb made chopped liver of Bush. Notice the way Bush oversimplified all these grandiose plans of his....but what else can one expect from one with a very simple mind? He raced through the complicated programs because he doesn't have the intellect or organizational skills to ever conceive of such plans nor the integrity to stand behind his totally empty, worthless promises and verbage. Another buffoonery exhibition! So what else is new?


  19. Marie Says:

    #6 UnBe
    Yes, I thought I detected an edge to that comment. I believe he intended to inform Bush&Co that there would be a revolt among the populace if he continues on his kill-the-middle-class and damn-the-poor policies.


  20. veritas Says:

    For a frosh Senator, Webb looks like he has a very promising political career ahead. For one, we know that he has the stones to stand up to the corrupt administration and GOP establishment - something which very few have had the spine to do. I look forward to Webb's level of integrity and truth! Kudos!


  21. s Says:

    Zooey.....I agree.. He has a twinkle in his eye, a soul, and he's made of high grade steel.

    I don't usually go all gooey....but he reminds me of the the character Tim Robbins played ( and Robbins himself ) in The Shawshank Redemption..............direct and mysterious.

    I know I know........indulge me.

    Bottom line, he is for real. Thank God people like this are stepping up


  22. unbelievable Says:

    Fight the rich, not their wars!
    Comment by Deniz Yeter — January 23, 2007 @ 11:08 pm

    That would be a great bumpersticker...


  23. Jimbo Says:

    well, for once some integrity compared to the crinimal culture
    of the 109th congress. yes... finally talk about serving the
    people once again

    but what counts is the actions that follow and that.........

    time to get the veto pen out for the next 2 years

    it's going to be interesting though

    and what is most likely the result of the next 2 years...........

    that's right ... with all the vetos.. NOTHING WILL GET ACCOMPBLISHED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

    that's right .... nothing to serve the people is going to get
    accompblished related to the veto pen. but it will sure
    look good coming up to 2008 and that will get accompblished


  24. tarazan Says:

    Webb looked comfortable,calm,articulate..and making the point. The man is smart and experienced..wish him good luck.


  25. Jay Randal Says:

    Webb better help to end the Iraq Fiasco War, and bring the troops home alive since his son is one of them. He is the only Senator that has a son in a combat position in Iraq, so he better help end it before his son is killed or maimed!


  26. Zooey Says:

    I know I know……..indulge me.
    Bottom line, he is for real. Thank God people like this are stepping up
    Comment by s

    Hey indulge away! We can take alternate weeks. :)


  27. unbelievable Says:

    Yes, I thought I detected an edge to that comment. I believe he intended to inform Bush&Co that there would be a revolt among the populace if he continues on his kill-the-middle-class and damn-the-poor policies.
    Comment by Marie — January 23, 2007 @ 11:10 pm

    We all know how easily they frighten. I hope he worried them. Especially in light of the "military opposing the war" comment : )

    Of course, the subtleties probably escaped them...


  28. Jay Randal Says:

    MA > we found out that you are a skinny single lady in San Diego who gets paid to post on TP and you are not a lawyer either.


  29. freebird9 Says:

    WELL DONE Senator Webb!! WELL DONE!!


  30. Exley Says:

    "As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. “When comes the end?” asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became President, he brought the Korean War to an end."

    Sen. Webb is correct. Republican President Eisenhower did preside over a cease-fire in the Korean War in July 1953, some six months after his inauguration. But, he and every subsequent president has also maintained a large U.S. presence on the Korean peninsula since that time in order to deter another North Korean attack. In short, it was not a complete and utter abandonment of South Korea or U.S. responsibilities. Is Webb saying the U.S. will remain committed to protecting Iraq and the nascent republic? If so, that is an admirable statement of policy. Is Sen. Webb saying that the U.S. will maintain a sufficient military presence in Iraq or nearby to ensure that Iraq does not fall into the hands of Islamist extremists that will be an ally to Al Qaeda? Again, if so, I support Sen. Webb's policy pronouncement.


  31. Zooey Says:

    Did the Hagette get deleted? :-D


  32. Juan C Says:

    Again, if so, I support Sen. Webb’s policy pronouncement.
    Comment by Exley

    As long as it implies world domination, you will support everything in order to escape your baseless fears.


  33. Zooey Says:

    Exley's playing both sides of the field.


  34. Wayne Says:

    Webb 2008

    This guy kicked A and took names. Best rebuttall I have heard in years from the democrats. He also has the pulse of the streets today as well as a good sense of history, and history about to be repeated.
    The poor on the street, the dispossesed, unemployed the goverment doesnt count, because they ran out of payments. Those who have to work 2 minimum wage jobs to have a roof and food.

    These are the people who have been treated as less than dirt by this administration, just look at Katrina.

    I sometimes do volenteer work off days at one of the local homeless shelters. There are more homeless now than there were 6 years ago. This I see with my own eyes.

    "The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt."

    Most in this country do not know how close this may be if things get any worst. It's that really bad for alot of people. When people lose hope and have nothing at all to lose, this has always historically been the tinder of revolution. HISTORICAL FACT.

    Pesonally I have seen war and I am more of a pacifist. I hope it doesn not come to that. I hope that the democrats actually have the spine and the will to actually fix the problems and fix them now.

    The modern day robber barons need to be stopped. And stopped hard.


  35. Colorado Jyms Says:

    Or as Jack Bauer would say throwing him to the pavement, "DONT. Get up."


  36. Exley Says:

    #31, No, Zooey, your posts are still there.


  37. Juan C Says:

    "The U.S. intends to cause insecurity and dispute and weaken independent governments in the region to continue with its dominance over the Middle East and achieve its arrogant goals," Ahmadinejad said, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, or IRNA

    Even a fanatic can see that.


  38. Zooey Says:

    No, Zooey, your posts are still there.
    Comment by Exley

    **cough** twat **cough**


  39. Juan C Says:

    No, Zooey, your posts are still there.
    Comment by Exley

    Yeah, buddy, make fun of women. That will make you feel better. You have been 100% wrong about everything and now, your world made up of lies is falling apart. I wish you some peace.


  40. Zooey Says:

    Heh, Juan. :-)


  41. Exley Says:

    "baseless fears. "

    Juan....Tell the families of 3,000 dead innocents slaughtered on September 11, 2001 that Al Qaeda poses no threat to America. Maybe if you had been in New York that day, you wouldn't be so callous in your remarks. I beseech you to do some travelling to understand the destructive impact of international Islamist terrorism. Your views are quite parochial.


  42. Wayne Says:

    No, Zooey, your posts are still there.
    Comment by Exley

    **Loans Zooey the baseball bat**

    =D


  43. Sharon Cox Says:

    Webb did a great job with his speech. let's hope there is follow through..Clearly he know's what's going on in bush bizarro world I also senced he is one of us as it were, we can hope he remain's that way..

    Zooey ,you can have his babies, I'll walk his dog and do his dishes if he will allow us that.....Lol......

    I'm sick of bull shit and his speeches, they are to long, full of 6 year's of lies and do nothing but cheer lead with a loosing team......If some one could tell me of one good thing this piece of crap presiden't has done for our country and the world I would be suprised.....Now that I have vented I will sleep better tonight with my gun still under my pillow that is....Blessings all, we still need them....Peace demand it...


  44. Jay Randal Says:

    Exley > you are the only defender of the Bush Regime on here tonight. Karl Rove was unable to find some trolls for TP, since Scooter Libby decided to spill the beans on him in court today.


  45. pluege Says:

    2 strong statements to the ruling elites: 1) your raping of the middle class is over, and 2) bush shape up or you will be neutered.

    nice...i like the message. Now lets hope dems walk the walk.
    .


  46. Lucinda Says:

    Good news--Exley listened to Sen. Webb's excellent speech tonight. Here's hoping he heard this part:

    The president took us into this war of choice recklessly. He was told repeatedly by top officials--miltary and diplomatic--NOT TO START THIS WAR. He did not listen. Now, we are in a quagmire of Bush's making.

    Webb also said that he hopes Bush will come up with a new strategy to get out of this mess. If Bush does not, "Congress will show him the way."

    Yes Exley, this was a fantastic speech. If you missed the parts noted above, watch it again. You have a lot to learn from Sen. Webb.


  47. chimpeach Says:

    #30 Exley

    But, he and every subsequent president has also maintained a large U.S. presence on the Korean peninsula since that time in order to deter another North Korean attack. In short, it was not a complete and utter abandonment of South Korea or U.S. responsibilities.

    There's a difference. Eisenhower didn't turn South Korea over to oil companies and defense contractors. In fact, Eisenhower was very clear about his feelings towards the kind of people that Bush and Cheney are and the kind of people they consider their base:

    "Should any political party attempt to abolish Social Security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are...a few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
    - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 11/8/54


  48. Bowdler Says:

    Exley: the families of the 3000 dead may understand that Bush ignored repeated and dire warnings. But, I suppose that doesn't make any difference if you can angle a way to blame it on Clinton.


  49. Zooey Says:

    **Loans Zooey the baseball bat**
    =D
    Comment by Wayne

    Thank you, Wayne. You are so kind. :-D


  50. Juan C Says:

    The modern day robber barons need to be stopped. And stopped hard.
    Comment by Wayne

    Revolutions are made by people that have been pissed on too many times. They will die for a change. Sadly, once they get into power they cant form a government in the political sense of the word. They dont know much about politics, they just want to work and be paid accordingly. Middle class can do that change, but middle class doesnt want to ally with lower classes, it just wants to be able to spend in expensive, useless stuff and become bourgeoisie (?). Latinamerica is one of the regions where most of the uprisings have happened without a significant change in policies regarding lower class people. We had a revolution a century ago in Mexico. Now, 30% of mexicans live with only 2 dls a day. Where was that revolution? Revolutions that will change this world will be made by the middle class. Marx was a freaking genius to see this 200 years ago.

    Heh, Juan. :-)
    Comment by Zooey

    Anytime. :)


  51. ForTruth Says:

    Oh crap Zooey has a baseball bat, duck.


  52. Sharon Cox Says:

    Jay, you know how it is with Exley, it thrives and need's abuse......Fact is it beggs for the short straw at the meeting's and hand out talking point's reich winged director's do every day.....If one whant's to realy abuse like it need's just ignore it and shun it.....Blessings


  53. Zooey Says:

    Truth,

    I would never hit a duck with a baseball bat. :P


  54. Zooey Says:

    #50 - Juan,

    That is exactly what I'm learning about in Sociology! The professor was talking about Marx today, and I was thinking, "That's what Juan says!"

    So cool.


  55. JIMBO Says:

    Sen. Webb's speech came with no artifical colors, no artificial flavors, no sickly sugar, no so-called talkingpoints, no photo-ops, no P.R. stunts, no apologies, no lies and definitely and positively, NO BULLSHIT.

    All there is in that speech is the God honest TRUTH!


  56. Juan C Says:

    Zoo, I am going to ask you kindly to lecture me in a couple of months. Please?


  57. Wayne Says:

    Revolutions that will change this world will be made by the middle class.
    -- Juan C

    Yes the middle class has to wake up, look around, see what is happening past HBO on the tube.
    This is why I like what Webb said so much.

    Question, how many people ( who don't live in some little po'dunk town that is ) do not see scores of homeless on the street corners asking for help, money, temp job, anything to get by another day?

    Notice how many more you see on the streets since Bushco took over?

    I now share a house, because it helps me make ends meet, and I make a pretty damn good wage. I'm higher middle class. The economy is total crap, no matter what they say on FAUX News.

    This perpetual poverty for a portion of our own people is so very, very wrong.


  58. Zooey Says:

    Zooey ,you can have his babies, I’ll walk his dog and do his dishes if he will allow us that…..Lol……
    Comment by Sharon Cox

    Anything.....just anything...

    :-D


  59. katy Says:

    If some one could tell me of one good thing this piece of crap presiden’t has done for our country and the world I would be suprised…
    Comment by Sharon Cox — January 23, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

    sam seder asked the same thing of his listeners this morning and a caller came up with one that i agree with:

    A vast chain of remote Hawaiian islands, teeming with endangered sea life, has become the nation's newest national monument -- and the largest patch of protected ocean on earth.
    President Bush bestowed monument status on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which span 1,200 nautical miles...

    .
    hey, it's something, and it's something worthwhile...
    even if very few people will ever see it...


  60. Zooey Says:

    Zoo, I am going to ask you kindly to lecture me in a couple of months. Please?
    Comment by Juan C

    I would never presume to lecture you, Juan. But we can discuss, ok?


  61. Angry One Says:

    For those who had the good fortune to miss it, here are the Top 10 Highlights of the 2007 Bush State of the Union:

    1. The New Equation in Iraq: Fight All Muslims, Everywhere, All the Time
    2. Balanced Budget Baloney
    3. Health Care on Life Support
    4. Border Disorder
    5. No Private School Left Behind
    6. Flipping on Energy Conservation
    7. No Flopping on Global Warming
    8. Black Allies in the Gallery, Not on the Floor
    9. Use the Troops for cover
    10. No Red Meat for Red Staters

    For the full story, see:
    "The Top 10 State of the Union Highlights."


  62. Zooey Says:

    Question, how many people ( who don’t live in some little po’dunk town that is ) do not see scores of homeless on the street corners asking for help, money, temp job, anything to get by another day?
    Comment by Wayne

    I live in a po'dunk town (21,000) and I see the homeless. Not many, but they exist. Usually the mentally ill.


  63. Sharon Cox Says:

    Great post's Wayne, I to have seen a huge increase at the food bank where I volenteere when I am able....."The econemy is great", retereck is Bull crap and all this has grow to huge amounts of poverty for 6 year's...It had better turn around quick or there will be a revolution right here.....Blessings


  64. Ricf Says:

    Bush need too know we gave this more than a chance. It's to late. We live in a global society and our President really doesn't. Even worst he doesn't care about the rest of this country. As a Republician I say "it's time for Bush to move on" he is not helping this country.


  65. Gregor Samsa Says:

    If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.

    I don't expect Pres Bush to take the "similar action" because that would mean that he has to change direction instead of "staying the course".

    One thing Pres Bush has consistently shown all these years is an absolute abhorrence to take any step, action, or initiative that could remotely be interpreted as a recognition of a mistake.

    Taking the "right kind of action" to get the US out of the mess Iraq has become would be exactly the kind of action Pres Bush will avoid at all cost.

    I certainly hope Sen Webb has a plan to show the president the way, because George Bush is not going on his own accord.


  66. Juan C Says:

    Zoo, I didnt remotely try to ask that request with sarcasm. Far from it. You are going to know tons of things that I dont. I clear this cuz you didnt finish your sentence with a :) but neither do I, so it was probably my fault. :)

    I am not joking. That: "Thats what Juan says" almost made me cry, lady. :}


  67. Juan C Says:

    I cant post a response to Exley...damn. Lets see.

    I beseech you to do some travelling to understand the destructive impact of international Islamist terrorism.
    So, you went from NY to Kansas in Thanksgiving day and asked everybody how they feel about terrorism? Oh, good poll there. I would suggest you to see the new poll about how the world looks on US now. And thats thanks to your leader Bush.


  68. Wayne Says:

    Usually the mentally ill.
    --- Zooey

    That crap, throwing the mentally ill to the street was started by Raygun, and sadly never stopped. Thats also a stereotype of most homeless that keeps being put forth by the media. Being labled mentally ill makes them less human, easier to pass them by and ignore them.

    A lot on the street now, used to have a good job, got layed off, never found another job. One of the families at the homeless shelter lost their home after the husband died fighting cancer. Insurance all went to bills. Family, the widow, 3 kids, one just a baby. People Discarded by society. People.

    Not everyone on the streets are mentally ill, but having to live that way a long time can make you mentally ill, or just not care anymore.

    People need to wake up and see what is actually happening in this country and start yelling about it to the so called leaders of this country. If they don't fix it, throw them out and demand the same of the next batch elected. do that till it gets done.


  69. Sharon Cox Says:

    Zooey, we have one diffrence of opinion, what a suprise....You said " I would never use a bat on a duck"....I would, a lame one that is..I believe in putting them out of (our )misery...LOL....Where the hell did I put that bat...Blessings


  70. Zooey Says:

    I am not joking. That: “Thats what Juan says” almost made me cry, lady. :}
    Comment by Juan C

    I know you're not joking or being sarcastic, Juan. You're very knowledgeable, so I would feel silly lecturing to you. I love hearing your perspective on social issues.

    You're sweet.

    Here's a big one. :-)


  71. Bruce Gorton Says:

    Wayne

    Actually its always been when the government has gone broke.

    King Louis, was actually a reformer during his time on the throne, but he spent like a drunken sailor, his people starved, and, viva la revolutione, of course it didn't help that he was sponsoring democracy in America while sternly trying to protect autocracy at home, but thats just another mirror.

    The last Russian Tzar, for all he feared a rebellion, was kind of a reformer, but he went broke, the people got sick of fighting a war they didn't even know the root cause of, and he got booted.

    Even the more peaceful transition Russia had into capitalism, was a matter of the communist government going broke. South Africa, with Apartheid? The country was going broke.

    The long history of revolution is, that once a government could no longer afford to keep its people reasonably secure in the knowledge that revolution is impossible, it becomes inevitable. Soon there will be one in Zimbabwe, just wait for it. Unless America stops spending so much on pure waste, like you have in Iraq, there will be one in America too.


  72. Zooey Says:

    I agree, Wayne. We "freed" the mentally ill in the 80s, only to have them live on the streets. There's really no good solution, but the solution we have now -- nothing -- is definitely not it. It's society's responsibility to care for them, and we are doing a very poor job of it.

    So many homeless never thought it would happen to them, and they have a shell-shocked look about them. That woman loses her husband, and then can't even grieve because she's concerned about her children not having a home.

    Terrible...


  73. Zooey Says:

    Where the hell did I put that bat…Blessings
    Comment by Sharon Cox

    Oy, I still couldn't do it. **passing the bat to Sharon**


  74. Outraged in Louisville Says:

    In Louisville today, during the evening rush hour, about 60 people gathered with signs, banners, and drums to pre-empt Bush's SOTU. We got an amazing response. People who had voted for Bush joined us in opposition to his reckless, dangerous plan to escalate his failed War.

    People, hit the streets people across America. If you can't get to DC this Saturday, sponsor someone who can go. We must tell Bush and his crooks that we will not accept his "decisions" on Iraq. Thank you.


  75. jurassicpork Says:

    One discrepancy with the SOTU transcript and what Bush actually said: He said "Democrat majority" near the start yet every transcript I've seen (Including Raw Story, which probably got it from the WH) reads "Democratic". He was playing Frank Luntz word games and they're trying to expunge that from the record. Winston Smith lives.

    “Madam Speaker didn’t lean over and boink the president on the head with her gavel, or garrote him with her red pashmina.

    No one was gelded or cuckolded or left to bleed on the floor of the Senate, as in HBO’s “Rome,” that other gory saga of a declining empire with people who can’t stop talking.” - Maureen Dowd, A Case of Hearing Without Listening

    My transcript of the live-blogged SOTU Address is up below that, if anyone's interested.


  76. Juan C Says:

    Not everyone on the streets are mentally ill, but having to live that way a long time can make you mentally ill, or just not care anymore.
    Comment by Wayne

    Fantastic post, Wayne. My ex-brother in law in a family reunion said that bums were a necessary cancer of the society becuz you could look at them and tell yourself: hey, thats not the life I want. Thank you very much for showing me that. I almost jump across the table and rip his head off. And he is just a regular middle class employee, no big shot at all.

    This is from a NOFX song about the mentally ill in the streets:

    Helen is living in her car, trying to feed her kids.
    She got laid off at work, and her house was repossessed. It's hard to think clearly when it's 38 degrees. Desperate people have been known to render desperate deeds. But when she shot that family and moved into their home the paper read she suffered from dementia.


  77. Juan C Says:

    Is that guy queer,or what?
    Comment by Delores

    And if I was be sure I would be the gayest guy in the world, becuz I live life like that.


  78. Zooey Says:

    I almost jump across the table and rip his head off. And he is just a regular middle class employee, no big shot at all.

    I'm glad he's your ex- bro in law. What a jackass.

    There was a guy north of here who was passing by a homeless guy, and said to him, "Get a job." That homeless guy jumped up and stabbed him in the heart. I'm sure the homeless guy was just upset because he was trying to prepare for his job interview the next day.
    /sarcasm

    This is from a NOFX song about the mentally ill in the streets:

    But when she shot that family and moved into their home the paper read she suffered from dementia.
    Comment by Juan C

    Oy.


  79. Brandon Harris Says:

    Bush should be shown the way out of the White House. He should be impeached and the Congress and Senate should vote to impeach him.


  80. Juan C Says:

    The long history of revolution is, that once a government could no longer afford to keep its people reasonably secure in the knowledge that revolution is impossible, it becomes inevitable.
    Comment by Bruce Gorton

    Argentina 2001. The country is broke. Middle class suddenly cant access their money in banks. There is no money in the banks. Middle class burned and destroyed the Congress building. Hundreds of people begin looting the great food stores cuz there is no food. 5 presidents in a month. Total crisis, until IMF and other countries loan some money. Middle class settle down. Poor people is poor as always. Whats the lesson? Dont f*ck with the middle class.


  81. Zooey Says:

    And if I was be sure I would be the gayest guy in the world, becuz I live life like that.
    Comment by Juan C

    Fantastic. :)

    Goodnight, all!


  82. Sharon Cox Says:

    Zooey, passing the bat back to you for #76....Bravo and dito.....

    We love you Juan C.....Blessings


  83. Juan C Says:

    Goodnight, all!
    Comment by Zooey

    Goodnight. :D


  84. katy Says:

    best SOTU in 6 years?

    g'nite all...


  85. Juan C Says:

    Sharon. Thanks. Right back at you.
    Goodnight. Im off. I am not a politician fan but like this Webb guy.


  86. Chris Says:

    Instead of a rebuttal, it should have been called a Special Comment.


  87. TerrytheTurtle Says:

    Comment by Juan C +Comment by Zooey

    What is this,a gay convention?

    Comment by Delores — January 24, 2007 @ 12:53 am

    Just wait until Mighty Hermaphrodite shows up. Vive les differences. That's French, BTW


  88. Wayne Says:

    You obsessing about somebody elses ass now?
    --- Spudge_Boy

    ?It/he/she? does not yet realize that calling someone, who is not a homophobe, gay really doesn't mean anything other that it shows that ?it/he/she? is a really sad, juvinile minded twit. lmao. Hilarious.


  89. Wayne Says:

    Wayne,
    How’s it going? Long time no post.
    -- Spudge_Boy

    Been busy, not getting on the site very often.
    Been lurking some, watching this crazy wreak havoc on the threads.
    It changes names, but yeah can always tell who it is by the dead givaways in the posts, hehe.

    Great example of the 28 percenters, for sure.

    "I am on The List â„¢ but it responds everytime, just like Pavlovs Dogs."

    good one. It does too.

    I feel left out, I want on The List â„¢ too =-D


  90. beijair Says:

    come on, how long have we waited to see if bush does what is right? how many years? time to stop and just do what is right. time to show him. why is web making an excuse? again. why do dems and repubs continue to let it happen. do something now! idiots


  91. ExLaxLey Says:

    Tell the families of 3,000 dead innocents

    which ones would those be? a few weeks of dead iraqi civilians?? maybe a month or so of victims of right wing death quads in central america paid for by our tax dollars.. oh wait.. that ancient hisory, and Exlaxley lives in the United State of Amnesia

    slaughtered on September 11, 2001

    myopia is in fact a defining trait of the right wing.

    what about every other day of every other year? have any idea how many americans killed other americans that year? have any idea how vastly both that percentage and raw amount is greater than any other civilized first world nation? are you so stupid as to not be aware of or care about death and destruction unless it occurs all in the same day in one place? or only when brown people do it to white people?

    keep beleiving in a vast islamic conspiracy if you want to, it doesnt make it real. there are substantial amounts of militant islamic groups, however, the idea that they have any sort of unified goals, idealogy, or ambition, is absurd. read the indictments of the alleged "sleeper cells" they found here in america and you will see how flimsy vauge evidence has been used to round up a bunch of posers and wannabees..


  92. ExLaxLey Says:

    We “freed” the mentally ill in the 80s, only to have them live on the streets.

    wheres that Texas Thong Republican whose high on meth and thinks hes going to be president [of Burger King] someday, to lecture us about about how we should let the mentally ill have guns because they are "we the people"


  93. Jimbo Says:

    WAIT A SECOND............... NOT SO FAST HERE............

    have you just been influenced beyond common sense, ya know
    buttered up.

    lots at stake here, like lots of power and power ALWAYS corrupts

    YES right now the democrats are claiming what may appear to be
    true... but is it or are we just getting set up to get duped again.

    ABSOLUTELY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS THE BEEN INFLUENCES
    the finest sociologists, psychologists, and experts in human bahavior,
    actions + reactions

    alot of stake is here.... they got the house/senate and next would
    be presidetial power. the following year of course they claim to be
    all out in serving the veto, but bush will veto and nothing will get
    accompblished.

    just remember though, 1994/1995 and by 1999 people were absolutely disguested with the democrats.... that's not that long
    ago and turned around 180 degrees.

    what's important is the history + both parties are plenty corrupt.

    it just amazes how trusting we all are and a perfect timing to
    complement that but refer back to the hindsight just less than
    a dacade ago, obviously long forgotten everybody so trusting
    were disgusted with the democrats in congress

    AND WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE TRUTH...............

    probably begin right after it's irreversible, they score the hold
    on presidents... we will certainly know 3 - 4 years down the road.

    i smell a skunk and a setup that is well above intuitive intelligence
    .... it is SO amazing just how trusting we all our.. no wonder
    marketing works so well to sell to those who don't know better
    yet...... after all there's LOTS of fish out there

    you got to be kidding me Hilary Clinton, certainly not a sacred lamb

    NOW.... i understand the rumors behind politics.

    they'll butter you up and by the time they are ready to leave we
    are all just SO disguested and probably this cycle just repeats itself

    political parties have plenty of sociologists and human bahaviors
    experts to accompblish that to all those fish and by chance are
    we just one of them ....


  94. Jimbo Says:

    and with that said..........

    bet ya..... it's a roaring party with the media/policians right
    now. the media networks are rolling in dooh
    of course the major networks want us to keep
    coming back... ya know ratings.... keep us in fear
    and the sacred leaders come to save us just as
    honest as can be

    oh man........ KNOW i now what the meaning of corrupt is....

    at this point we know all the truth or do we know the truth
    at all. think about that for a while.................. :)


  95. criticalthinker Says:

    Re#72 JuanC

    People are too scared to think about the IMPOSSSIBLE science needed for the 9-11 commission explanation to be true.

    They do not want to face the FACT that evil men in the government killed thousands of our fellow citizens and almost killed me, to inact PNAC!


  96. Raven Says:

    Boosch and Chainee impeachment resolution introduced into the New Mexico House of Representatives yesterday.
    It has a better chance of getting through commitee to a full vote than previous attempts in other states.
    Congratulations Senator Webb on a fine rebuttal.


  97. PoliticalCritic Says:

    Great speech by the fresman Senator from Virginia. Do I see the future Vice President of Barack Obama?


  98. Zimzone Says:

    President Bush's 6th State of the Union Speech can be summed up as
    'Bush Speech VI', or BSVI
    BSVI was remarkable only because Pelosi was the new Speaker & Dems have the majority.
    BSVI also found Cheney drooling in the background like a mad pitbull. 'Jesus Christ, Scooter spilled the beans on Shooter & now I'll have to testify under oath.'He did not look like the supremely confident a-hole we're used to seeing.
    Going getting a little tough, big Dick?
    BSVIalso found the Chimp 'N Chief using talking points to outline new ways to describe tired old ideas. Nothing new. Nothing original. Just the same old same old.
    BSVIshowed the Nation what they already knew. Bush is not capable of coming up with new plans.
    It should be an interesting year. Let's hope Webb's speech is the cornerstone for active resistance to all Neosluts and their 'Robber Baron' philosophy.
    Mr. President, I'd challenge you to a duel of wits, but I will not duel an unarmed opponent!


  99. WC Says:

    Comment by Angry One — January 24, 2007 @ 12:05 am

    Speaking of border control...

    Members of our Tennessee National Guard will soon be honored in our state for following the correct procedure.

    That is...not long ago the members encountered armed men coming across the border. What did they do? They retreated and alerted the border patrol, who took care of the situation.

    Remember folks...the National Guard has been positioned at the border to do....administrative work.


  100. JerryTheAngel Says:

    Senator Webb and Bush should settle this Iraqi issue with hand to hand combat. Webb is a real military hero, not a draft dodger like Bush and Cheney. Bush would last about 30 seconds taking on a real soldier who would be a REAL Commander in Chief, not an ex drunken cheerleader, a spoiled frat boy who was only interested in getting drunk and having a good time until he was 40 years old.

    Great Presidents are interested in domestic and foreign issues from a very early age and support that interest by reading everything they can get their hands on to widen their knowledge about the important issues of the day. Bush was a drunk who was more interested in having a good time to the point that his wife put her foot down and told Dubya, "It's either the booze or me and the kids. It's your choice".

    Those who have addictive personalities like Bush does, will replace one extreme habit with another to sooth their over the top addictions. For Bush it was booze and drugs and decided he didn't want to lose his family and opted for the old standby that convicted criminals always seem to fall back on when they have hit rock bottom. They find God all of a sudden.

    Bush is a lunatic who has been in over his head from the very first day he took office and because of his incompetence, tens of thousands of Americans and Iraqi's have died needlessly. That is his legacy. A mass murdering American President who has turned practically the whole world against us.

    I believe Bush when he says "Some may be surprised at how well I sleep at night". The man has no conscious and I'm sure Milosevic, Saddam, Bin Laden, and other homicidal leaders sleep and slept like a baby at night also. It's nothing to brag about. He should be ashamed of himself. Bush is a very very sick man.


  101. WC Says:

    He said “Democrat majority” near the start yet every transcript I’ve seen (Including Raw Story, which probably got it from the WH) reads “Democratic”. He was playing Frank Luntz word games and they’re trying to expunge that from the record. Winston Smith lives.

    Comment by jurassicpork — January 24, 2007 @ 12:35 am

    I noticed it, too (who didn't???). So did Chris Matthews and Keith O. on MSNBC in their post-speech commentary. I believe it was Keith who said the decision to use "democrat" in place of "democratic" was made some time ago to essentially piss off the opposition party.


  102. Marcus Robinson Says:

    Score one for the Democrats and Three for Webb. Amazing what happens when a person grows a spine. There should be more Democrats like this in the party. Awesome speech.



  103. Randy Nason Says:

    Webb did a real good job articulating his stance on Iraq and expressing his opposing view. Five years later, I'm still hearing Bush's same, tired rhetoric: No Child Left Behind, alternative fuel sources and balancing the budget. How f- stupid does this creepy b- think we really are, to listen to more of this same b-s-? And, what's all the talk about "ear-marks"? Isn't it Chimpy that is famous for this very practice? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!


  104. marblex Says:

    the neo nazi oops i mean neocon plan has been to enslave 90% of the human population by debt.

    Serfdom for all except those whose bank accounts end in "illion"

    Happy landings! It's Reganomics on steroids! "HOORAY FOR ME AND SCREW YOU"


  105. War4Sale Says:

    That was downright presidential!


  106. Hopeful Says:

    We can just skip the primary season coming up and go directly to the OBama/Webb ticket right now. Let's put some people people with guts in the White House.


  107. Karus Says:

    this is totally unfair... u will attack an country for some stupid reason which is not real..after that u need to leave that country..


  108. Anthony R, Faustino Says:

    Impeach Bush and Cheney! This country needs more heroes like James Webb. Not Chicken Hawks like Bush and Cheney. One of The Champane Squadron and the other who had other priorities by not fighting in Vietnam.


  109. pablo Says:

    i give Webb's rebuttal a D-. The last thing this country needs is more vague emotional tugs. This chance to hit unattentive Americans with the hypocrisy of every proposal was missed! Why not call out W that he's taken no (even modest) steps towards: energy independence [renewables/efficiency], health care for the lower class (the ones that don't already pay net taxes!), legalizing domestic surveillance, climate science, widespread corruption in his own agencies, etc. That's the real SOTU. Time is precious, so business, not fuzz, Jim. I vote for 'em, but the dems are still plugged-in pussies. Btw, Hilary can stay in the middle of the road...here comes rush hour.


  110. magsfactor Says:

    OBama/Webb does not seem realistic. Edwards/Webb is powerful. Hillary/Webb even better, but not easy to visualize. Webb is definitely the ticket. Agree about the God Bless America thing...let's ditch that phrase. How about, "Goodness to America" or "Peace and Prosperity to America" or even "Blessings to America." Webb needs to learn to control the reading motions so it looks more like a speech, but otherwise, Webby - you the man!


  111. Alan Coltharp Says:

    Pablo, #113:
    You are right, but it's a start. Webb's post-election editorial in the WSJ(!)
    was much more powerful and much more populist. Hope his economic justice ideas gain more traction with the Dem elite.


  112. tom baker Says:

    Webb kicks ass! - would love to see him go 1on1 vs. Dubbie.


  113. katy Says:

    randi rhodes is saying that the dems gave webb a speech to read, but he said, no thank you, and wrote his own...
    always the best way to go...


  114. joe in oklahoma Says:

    spot on comment from Common Dreams today:

    Webb offered a populist, anti-corporate stand on economics and a blunt attack on Bush for “recklessly” dragging our country into the Iraq war – a sharply-worded address that must have startled millions of TV viewers accustomed to Democrat vacillation.

    But Webb’s speech was not just a rebuttal to Bush. It was also a pointed response to the tepid pablum that comes out of the mouths of mainstream media-anointed Democratic presidential candidates: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

    TV viewers could easily see the contrast between Webb’s words and those of Clinton and Obama, since the two candidates were featured one after another on TV network after network soon after Bush and Webb. Yet they said so little.
    (Jeff Cohen)


  115. JT Says:

    YOU FOOLS!!! Read this very, very carefully.

    Virginia's Sen. Jim Webb, who delivered the Democratic response, had this take on Korea:

    As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. "When comes the end?" asked the general who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War II. And as soon as he became president, he brought the Korean War to an end.

    This is NOT quite accurate to say Ike brought the Korean war to an end. The Koreas signed an armistice but never a peace treaty, and thus remain technically at war, with some 30,000 U.S. troops still in South Korea to protect against the North--though the current stalemate, for the moment at least, is bloody only for the people of North Korea. The inconclusive outcome of the Korean War can easily be interpreted as a warning of the dangers of leaving threats for future generations to deal with.


  116. JT Says:

    Virginia's Sen. Jim Webb, who delivered the Democratic response, said this about Korea:


    As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. "When comes the end?" asked the general who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War II. And as soon as he became president, he brought the Korean War to an end.

    This is NOT accurate to say Ike brought the Korean war to an end. The Koreas signed an armistice but never a peace treaty, and thus remain technically at war, with some 30,000 U.S. troops still in South Korea to protect against the North--though the current stalemate, for the moment at least, is bloody only for the people of North Korea. The inconclusive outcome of the Korean War can easily be interpreted as a warning of the dangers of leaving threats for future generations to deal with.


  117. joe in oklahoma Says:

    o JT we have troops in europe, even tho we DID sign a treaty there.... and i have not seen any fighting between N and S Korea lately.
    in fact, NKorea has only become a threat under Bush's 'leadership'.
    he gave them cred.


  118. Exley Says:

    #39, Oh Juan...You are sooooooo gallant and chivalrous! Your assumption of the anachronistic role "defender of a woman's honor" would ring much less hollow, however, if you yourself had not posted several callous and downright cruel remarks about another female poster who experienced a family tragedy. Your hypocrisy is quite amusing to behold.


  119. m. freira Says:

    I AM ONLY INTERESTED IN SHOWING THEM ONE WAY: O-U-T!
    Impeach Bush/Cheney It is a TWO-HEADED SNAKE! they BOTH have to go - ASAP!!!
    Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney Impeach Bush/Cheney

    can you hear us now?

    IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY!


  120. Craig Says:

    LIke the poster in no. 123, I thought for a moment that Jim Webb was going to tag "...if not, we will be showing him the way" with "out the door." I would have stood up on my computer table and cheered if that were the case.

    But Webb's words still give reason to hope. Bless his heart --- he and others like him might just get our guns and bombs out of the Iraqi people's lives yet, (and vice versa).


  121. Steve Amraen Says:

    As a USMC Vietnam vet for 1970 to 1971, I'am proud that former USMC Lt. Jim Webb gave such a great speech. I see why he won in Virginia. He has great credentials and speaks the truth. Anyone who was alive in the '60s & early '70s and thinks Bush, etal are right must have been asleep or brain dead.



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